The New Rolex Explorer Reference 214270 – Our Thoughts

In my opinion, or better said, for me personally, the Rolex Explorer was always one of the purest Rolex sports watches. An understatement, as it has no moving bezel, cyclops or other ‘super recognizable’ Rolex features. Except for the Oyster bracelet perhaps. The dial was very clean, no date and Arabic numerals on 3, 6 and 9.

I would love to own a vintage reference 1016 or even later 14270 (we wrote about that one here in one of our #tbt features) or 114270. However, 36mm is not for me. It was in the far past, but being a student did not only made me a smarter man, but also a bigger man. I did buy one for my then girlfriend, now wife, so at least I have the pleasure of looking at it when I want.

A very early Rolex reference 6150, clearly a predecessor of the later Explorer 1016.

So I was happily surprised that Rolex introduced a 39mm version of this classic in 2010. But upon closer inspection, it seemed that the hands were a tad bit too short and the numerals at 3, 6 and 9 did not have luminous material but were ‘solid’ white gold applied Arabic hour markers. Despite the perfect size of 39mm, I left it alone as it wasn’t as ‘pure’ anymore as the 36mm models. But that’s of course just my opinion here.

This year in BaselWorld, I didn’t even take notice of the new Rolex Explorer reference 214270 until I noticed this image of this watch at the wonderful dinner that Rolex organized for (a.o.) journalists. It took me a while to realize that they only put new watches on display there of course and that the 214270 was also shown. How could I have missed that for two days long? Because everyone (including me) was more focused on the new Rolex Daytona reference 116500LN perhaps?

Rolex Explorer reference 214270

The new Rolex Explorer reference 214270 in 39mm has a new dial with Arabic numerals on 3, 6 and 9 o’clock that are filled with their luminous material (Chromalight) and has proper (longer) 18 carat white gold hands, also applied with Chromalight.

Anyway, from that moment on I was captured by the beauty of this Rolex Explorer reference 214270 for the rest of the evening and I immediately realized that there is no reason anymore not to buy one, at all.

A day later, during our appointment with Rolex they let us know that all their Superlative Chronometer watches are now performing within -2/+2 seconds a day, after casing. As you know, the official chronometer test and certification is done for the movement only. After Rolex cased the chronometer certified movement, they test it again to ensure they run within their own strict specifications of -2/+2 seconds a day on average. Next, it is guaranteed for five years! Correct me if I am wrong, but I am not aware of any other brands that are doing or offering this.

Inside the new Rolex Explorer reference 214270, Rolex uses the caliber 3132 movement that has a blue Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers. The power reserve of this watch is 48 hours.

The case and bracelet are made of 904L grade stainless steel and the Oyster bracelet has this Easylink 5mm comfort extension link.

In my opinion, the ‘purest’ Rolex sports watch made its way back into the collection as a ‘must-have’ piece with this 2016 update for the Rolex Explorer. The only downside might be that there could be a waiting list for them at first, as I am probably not the only person being so enthusiastic about it.

>> A very early Rolex reference 6150, clearly a predecessor of the later Explorer 1016.

Now that’s some patina. 🙂

Alex

I had a 214270 and loved it but the short hands. I sold it but miss it terribly. I have a feeling with the new changes a new Explorer will make its way back into my collection. (BTW I think you mean Arabic numbers instead of Roman)

AW

That’s very handsome watch. Had I’ve been able to afford one I’d have to sit and think whether I like pure elegance of Explorer, wilder style of Air King or maybe Milgauss. Christopher Ward has 5 year warranty, so you could probably get one of the COSC models and should it go out of spec send it to them.

Harry

I have the old one, and I’m very annoyed with Rolex. Of course they knew the hands were too short. I’m very annoyed at myself because I just didn’t notice at the time and now this has ruined the watch for me.